Quote of the Day

“I’d like to see us get to a better place in politics where the word Swiftboating is retired from the political vocabulary.”

–Sen John Kerry (D., Mass.) in a statement today endorsing Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter over Rep. Joe Sestak in the May 18 Senate Democratic primary. Sestak has accused Specter of using “Swift Boat” style attacks in a television ad critical of his U.S. Navy record. Kerry, declined to comment on the attack itself, saying it was up to the candidates and the media to address the issue.

About Washington Wire

Washington Wire is one of the oldest standing features in American journalism. Since the Wire launched on Sept. 20, 1940, the Journal has offered readers an informal look at the capital. Now online, the Wire provides a succession of glimpses at what’s happening behind hot stories and warnings of what to watch for in the days ahead. The Wire is led by Reid J. Epstein, with contributions from the rest of the bureau. Washington Wire now also includes Think Tank, our home for outside analysis from policy and political thinkers.